Skin Care & Laser Dermatology Clinic | Dr. Derek Jones : Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

Skin Care and Laser Dermatology Clinic, led by Dr. Derek Jones, offers a wide array of services in general and cosmetic dermatology. Contact our dermatologists in Los Angeles and book a consultation today!

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): The Anatomy of Blood Explained

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Can injections of a concentrated version of our own blood give us a more youthful appearance? Strange though it may seem, this is exactly the idea behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments. When we think of skin rejuvenation, the last thing that may comes to mind is our own plasma. The secret to PRP, however, lies in utilizing the growth factors (proteins that stimulate cell division and growth) and platelets found in the blood. Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills offers microneedling and PRP in Los Angeles to help patients get radiant, revitalized skin.

During a treatment session, blood is collected, then processed to concentrate the platelets. The resulting plasma that now contains an abundance of platelets (which contain regenerative proteins) is applied directly to the skin. This sparks the growth of new, healthy collagen and skin cells, which makes the skin stronger and tighter. It is used to address everything from wrinkles and sun damage to acne scars and discolorations—and even hair loss!

But what, really, is blood, and why are platelets important? The most important function of blood is to constantly carry oxygen throughout the body, bringing the life-giving element to cells, tissues, and organs. This helps to keep our internal environment regulated. Adding to that, blood helps the immune system to fight off infections.

Our blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—which originate in the bone marrow—and plasma, which is absorbed from the digestive system. Red blood cells, which are designed to transport oxygen, have an indented, disc-like appearance, while disease-fighting white blood cells are small and appear colorless. Plasma consists almost entirely of water, along with some glucose, mineral salts, proteins, and other substances.

Platelets are essential to blood clotting, as they prevent uncontrolled bleeding by sealing breaks in blood vessel walls (for example, when you accidentally cut your skin). PRP harnesses the healing and regenerative properties of platelet-derived growth factors to refresh the appearance of the skin. There is also evidence that the rejuvenating effects can “wake up” follicles that have stopped producing hairs, leading to thinning or bald patches on the scalp.

To discover more about PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and other skin rejuvenation procedures, fill out a contact form online or call the physician-only Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills directly at 310-246-0495.

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer?

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The Los Angeles area is a prime place for skin cancer concerns to thrive. With a global reputation for always being sunny (and a population that likes to show off skin), damaging interactions between ultraviolet radiation and sensitive skin cells are more than common. While physical protection against sun exposure is the best strategy for minimizing cancer risk, the fact remains that millions of people deal with the disease each year. It’s the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.

All that said, skin cancer is highly treatable—especially if detected early. The two most common forms—basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—respond especially well to a specialized treatment known as Mohs micrographic surgery. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Naissan Wesley at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills is trained in the advanced technique, providing a treatment known to have up to a 99 percent success rate.

Mohs involves the meticulous removal and study of skin cells, with Dr. Wesley working layer by layer to remove all detectable traces of skin cancer. Each small sample is scrutinized closely to determine whether cancer cells are present. When the margins of a tumor-containing area are clear, there is no need to continue.

This approach has two main benefits: First, it is incredibly thorough. As opposed to removing a large chunk of tissue and hoping that it was enough to also take out the cancer cells, Mohs is based on precision and knowledge of where cancer cells stop and healthy skin begins. Second, because the work is so precise, Mohs maximizes treatment effectiveness while minimizing cosmetic impact. Only the strictest amount of layers necessary to treat the problem are removed. This makes Mohs ideal for sensitive and highly visible areas where basal or squamous cell carcinoma has developed.

Post-treatment check-ups are important to monitor the area and determine whether there are any more skin cancer concerns, but patients typically find that Mohs is incredibly effective.

Find out more about Mohs micrographic surgery by filling out an online contact form or calling the physician-only Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills at 310-246-0495.

BOTOX®: Did He or Didn’t He?

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While the question of whether this celebrity or that media personality “had work done” has long been directed at women whose faces grace screens and magazine covers alike, recent comments speculating on 76-year-old presidential candidate Joe Biden’s smooth forehead show that men are now in the mainstream when it comes to cosmetic treatments.

Whether or not he did enjoy an injection session to relax his crease-forming facial muscles (and no matter the speculators’ politics), the reality is that the questions indicate a broader acceptance and normalization of male-focused procedures. As national leaders in cosmetic dermatology, with Dr. Derek Jones having served an integral role as an investigator in the crow’s feet-focused clinical studies that led to an FDA approval for BOTOX®, Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team has long maintained that men should have no fears about getting the look they want. Research indicates that guys are turning more and more toward BOTOX® and other treatments, whether to gain a perceived edge over the competition in a tough hiring market or to put their best face forward in their profiles on dating apps.

While questions of “did her or didn’t he?” still indicate a bit of gossip-type interest in the world of aging notable figures, it is important to note that these inquiries seem to be eclipsing questions of “should he have?”—as well as comments along the lines of “I can’t believe he did!” Indeed, at least one Twitter user commented that he looked “freshhhh,” with another saying she wanted in on whatever he was doing to look the way he did.

Find out more about BOTOX® at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Send a message to the physician-only practice online, or call 310-246-0495 to arrange a personalized consultation.

BOTOX® and Jeuveau™: What’s the Difference?

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In the decades that have passed since BOTOX® made its official, FDA-approved debut on the market as a temporary fix for frown lines, the formula has grown to become wildly popular and has been given the green light for a number of other applications, such as reducing the prominence of horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet.

Regular patients at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills know that more recently—as of 2019—a new injectable known as Jeuveau™ arrived on the scene. Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black all had a hand in the injectable coming to market, working as investigators on the FDA trials necessary for Jeuveau™ to receive FDA approval.

With two wrinkle-relaxing neuromodulators to choose from—Jeuveau™ and BOTOX® Cosmetic—Los Angeles-area women and men may be wondering what differentiates the two.

First, it’s important to note that the pair of injectables enjoys more similarities than differences. Both are derived from Botulinum toxin and keep wrinkles at bay for an average of three months per injection session. Both are injected directly into muscles that contribute to facial wrinkles, and both should definitely be administered only by licensed, trained, and experienced processionals.

That said, there are a few notable differences. The formula that ultimately became known as BOTOX® Cosmetic—approved by the FDA for three separate cosmetic applications—was used in medical settings for years before it began officially smoothing out foreheads across the nation. It also continues to be used to treat an expanding list of medical conditions.

Jeuveau™, on the other hand, was developed for aesthetic purposes, giving it a singular focus. It is also (as of summer 2019) approved only for treating glabellar lines, which form to resemble the number “11” between the eyebrows.

Want to find out more about these injectable options in the Los Angeles area? For further details or to arrange for a consultation, give Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills a call directly at 310-246-0495 or send a message online.

Sun Safety: How Sunburns Impact the Skin

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Warm, sunny days are made for getting out to the beach, enjoying backyard barbecues, and attending outdoor festivals. And who doesn’t enjoy trading in their moon tan for sun-kissed locks and a golden, glowing complexion? Unfortunately, despite how trendy and visually appealing a head-to-toe bronze look may be, sun-tanning isn’t worth the irreversible damage it can cause. The team of board certified board-certified dermatologists serving Los Angeles-area patients at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills warns everyone—young and old—to be constantly vigilant when it comes to protecting their skin from sun damage.

In the event that you take in too much sun (read: ultraviolet radiation), any part of your skin or body may react by becoming red, tender, and heated to the touch. Some other common symptoms of sunburn including itching, inflammation, fluid-filled blisters, headaches, and nausea. A particularly severe sunburn may cause discomfort for several days and result in the outer layer of skin peeling off. This is because UV rays damage and mutate the DNA of skin cells, and the body reacts. Dead skin sloughs off, and remaining cells suffer.

When it comes to guarding your skin against damage, the importance of safe sun habits—such as routinely applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing—cannot be emphasized enough. After all, cancers of the skin, which are the most common form of cancer in the Unites States, are closely associated with prolonged or intense exposure to harmful UV radiation from sunlight. Sunburns may also make your skin more likely to show signs of premature aging in the form of wrinkles and age spots.

All of this isn’t to say that some degree of sun exposure isn’t healthy and necessary. The closest star to our planet encourages the skin to produce “The Sunshine Vitamin,” also known as Vitamin D, which promotes bone growth. Sunshine has also been known have a strong positive impact on mental health by increasing levels of serotonin (a mood-elevating hormone). The key is to be cautious and strive for a healthy amount of sun. Experts recommend 10 to 30 minutes a day, several times a week, and always with proper protection. Avoid the strongest rays by venturing out earlier in the morning or later in the evening, while the sun is still shining, but not beating down.

Discover more about medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments available at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills by phoning 310-246-0495, or book an appointment by sending a message online.

Get to Know the Newest Dermatologist at Skin Care & Laser Physicians

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Have you met Dr. Ardalan Minokadeh yet? The newest member of the Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills staff recently joined the physician-only team after completing his yearlong cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellowship with Dr. Derek Jones. Like the rest of Los Angeles area-based dermatologists at the practice, he is board certified and committed to helping patients get the cosmetic and medical skin care they need to be as healthy and beautiful as they can be.

Dr. Minokadeh, known is our office as Dr. Ardalan, is working full time, welcoming medical patients with PPOs, as well as women and men seeking cosmetic services. Prior to joining Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, Dr. Ardalan graduated from Tulane University’s dermatology residency program and earned a certification from the American Board of Dermatology.

When not actively working with patients. Dr. Ardalan does scholarly research and writing. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, research abstracts, and textbook chapters. He is also a member of more than half a dozen professional medical organizations.

Prior to the spring, Dr. Ardalan was working Saturdays at the practice. Starting the first week of May, his schedule expanded along with the Skin Care & Laser Physicians suite itself. Two new exam rooms opened to provide space for his patients to come for appointments. This means even more opportunities to get high-quality care in a physician-only setting.

For more information, or to arrange a consultation, send a message online or call 310-246-0495.

BOTOX® in Your 20s: An Aesthetics-Conscious Generation Welcomes Facial Treatments

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Gen Y is taking skin care seriously and getting an early start on turning back the clock when it comes to cosmetic treatments. It doesn’t come as a surprise that 98 percent of people from around the world, aged 21 to 35, said they will consider having a facial injectable treatment during their lifetime when surveyed as part of Allergan’s recent 360 Aesthetics Report. A full 82 percent reported believing injectables are socially acceptable. In the Los Angeles area, BOTOX® and similar injectables have long been part of the landscape, but it’s telling to see a “Southern California” attitude toward minimally invasive treatments spreading to new generations across the country.

It is in a person’s mid-20s to early 30s that he or she typically first notices the tell-tale signs of wrinkles somewhere in the upper third of the face. As the years go by, aging skin begins to lose its youthful radiance and firmness. The underlying layers don’t produce as many new cells, and important structural proteins like collagen and elastin begin to break down. A significant amount of moisture is lost, causing the complexion to appear dull and dry. Dynamic wrinkles—which are creases that form as a result of recurring muscle movements such as smiling—start to form. Exposure to harsh external elements like UV light, gravity, pollutants, and dry air seem to conspire with lifestyle habits like smoking, lack of sleep, and stress to contribute to signs of aging.

As a rising number of women and men don’t want to look like they’ve “had work done,” the current trend is toward subtle, natural-looking “tweak-ments” to existing features. This desire has contributed to the growing popularity of minimally invasive, injectable wrinkle-reducers that produce more subtle results than surgery.

Learn more about BOTOX® by sending a message through the Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills contact form, or call 310-246-0495.

What is Fraxel® DUAL?

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Two heads are often better than one, since either may be able to accomplish something the other can’t. The same holds true with laser treatments. Some focus on treating lesions and other cosmetic issues at the surface level, while others trigger rejuvenating effects deeper under the surface.

With Fraxel® DUAL at Los Angeles’ Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, there’s no need to choose, since both benefits are combined into a single device.

There are four steps to a Fraxel® DUAL treatment:

First, laser energy from the device makes channels that extend through multiple layers in the skin. These are known as “micro-thermal treatment zones,” and each one resembles a column surrounded by untouched tissue.

Second, the body begins healing what it reads as injuries in these zones, kickstarting repair processes and remodeling collagen. This begins to tighten the skin for a smoother look.

Third, as the new collagen forms in the “micro-thermal treatment zones,” a subsequent treatment further stimulates new collagen remodeling.

Fourth and finally, the results of multiple treatments are cumulative and apparent. The new and remodeled collagen reduces the appearance of wrinkles, “fills in” divots and dents, and causes the outermost layer of skin to flake away—similar to what happens soon after a sunburn. Instead of unhealthy damage, however, this flaking is a sign of rejuvenated skin.

Fraxel® DUAL can also help to tame acne outbreaks, soften scars, treat actinic keratoses (known as pre-cancerous lesions), and improve overall texture and tone on the face, neck, chest, back, and limbs.

Learn more about Fraxel® DUAL by calling 310-246-0495 or sending a message online to Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills.

Discover Jeuveau™, the Newest Muscle-Relaxing Injectable Available

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It’s been about 10 years since a new neuromodulator arrived to give patients more options when seeking smoother skin. Now, however, there’s another injectable joining BOTOX® and its fellow botulinum toxin-based muscle relaxers: Jeuveau™. The Los Angeles-based team at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills was heavily involved in this new cosmetic treatment’s journey to an FDA approval. Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black all served as investigators on the study that ultimately led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration giving Jeuveau™ the green light for addressing frown lines on the forehead.

Jeuveau™ is unique in the world of neuromodulators, as it was created specifically with aesthetics in mind. While BOTOX® made its way into the hands of cosmetic dermatologists via the medical route, Jeuveau™ is the first such injectable to be considered “aesthetic only.”

Aside from its unique creation story, Jeuveau™ is very similar to BOTOX® in its application, the duration of its effects, and other aspects. It is injected directly into the facial muscles, where it serves to inhibit contractions for months at a time. During this window of forced forehead relaxation, there will be no activity that causes frown lines to appear.

These effects will wear off over time, after which patients can opt for a new round of injections.

Learn more about the new Jeuveau™ by contacting Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Call 310-246-0495 or send a message via the physician-only practice’s online contact form.

Visit a ‘Top Doc’ in the Los Angeles Area

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Los Angeles magazine recently published a list of medical professionals in Southern California, dubbing the endeavor “Top Docs 2019.” To accomplish their self-appointed task of creating a guide to the medical professionals who play “at the top of their game” in the area, the magazine’s staff worked with a professional research company to conduct a peer-to-peer survey of Los Angeles County physicians, asking them all a simple question: Who’s a “Top Doc” in the L.A. area?

The result is a searchable database that includes a name familiar to anyone who’s ever received treatment at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills: Dr. Derek Jones.

Dr. Jones’ years spent in the cosmetic dermatology field, actively seeking to improve the scope of treatments available—as well as their safety, efficacy, and availability—has earned him recognition that extends far beyond the sprawling borders of Los Angeles. He is a sought-after researcher and educator throughout the nation, given his experience with a range of injectables and history of work on FDA trials that brought many of today’s most commonly used nonsurgical treatments into the market.

Every doctor on the list was thoroughly vetted after receiving numerous nominations from fellow physicians. The list’s compilers referenced each potential honoree in the California Medical Board’s license profile database and the Department of Consumer Affairs in an effort to weed out professionals who have had major complaints lodged against them or have infractions on their records. The team also contacted individual practices.

In its introduction to the “Top Docs” feature, Los Angeles magazine points out that the area is “loaded with cutting-edge medical institutions and highly skilled doctors.” To stand out among a crowd of such peers is truly an honor.

Contact Dr. Derek Jones at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills by sending a message online or calling 310-246-0495.